Farmers’ Training on Pesticide Use Is Associated with Elevated Safety Behavior

Damalas, Christos A.; Koutroubas, Spyridon D.

doi:10.3390/toxics5030019

Cited by 112 publications

(73 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Thus, we can enhance farmers' awareness of olive fly integrated management and relevant agronomic practices by holding educational courses, holding farm day's training courses specific to olive fly, and encouraging young farmers to attend these courses. Previous training in the use of pesticides was connected with high levels of farmers' knowledge about pesticides and beliefs about pesticide hazard control and thus was linked with lower occupational exposure to pesticides [26].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

RETRACTED: Farmers’ Technical Knowledge about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Olive Production

2017

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While Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable approach of pest control, contributing to reduced use of pesticides and risks on human health and the environment, farmers have shown limited interest in practicing this method. The present study explored the levels of technical knowledge about integrated management of the olive fly (Bactrocera oleae) among olive growers in Roudbar County of Iran and factors underpinning olive farmers' technical knowledge of integrated management. Data were collected in a survey of olive farmers, on the basis of a structured questionnaire. Almost half of the farmers (48.4%) had good to excellent levels of technical knowledge of integrated management, while almost a third of the farmers (35.4%) had a moderate knowledge level. However, a noticeable portion of the farmers (15.9%) had poor knowledge of integrated management. Moreover, most farmers showed average knowledge of the adverse effects of pesticides on human health. While most farmers showed good levels of social participation, cooperation with institutes, and participation in extension activities, they showed low levels of community involvement (involvement in a group of people that have and share common interests with each other). Olive imports and the lack of a common action for olive fly control were perceived as the main barriers of IPM adoption among most farmers. Regression analysis revealed that increased community involvement, large area under olive farming, participation in education activities, and high farming experience promoted farmers' technical knowledge of integrated olive fly control. Strengthening growers' technical knowledge of IPM through community involvement and extension services among inexperienced small-scale olive farmers is recommended for reducing possible unnecessary insecticide sprays in olive production.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

RETRACTED: Farmers’ Technical Knowledge about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Olive Production

2017

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“…Moreover, low competence in proper handling practices, farmers' reliance on pesticides, and limited opportunities to pesticide training were linked with high pesticide exposure risk levels [41]. Typically, knowledge of health risks by pesticide use is boosted with training and, therefore, improving farmers' knowledge of pesticide use must be of first concern for limiting farmers' exposure to pesticides [9]. It should be noted that although awareness of pesticide harmful effects was related to less poisoning by pesticides [42], high knowledge of pesticide hazards did not always associate with adequate safety measures [43].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Evidently, farm workers must be trained by employers to engage in safety behavior that will secure their personal safety [8]. Previous training on pesticide use was related with high knowledge of pesticides among farmers and lower levels of pesticide exposure [9]. In addition, knowledge on occupational safety practices positively influenced farmers' use of safe practices [10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Drivers of Personal Safety in Agriculture: A Case Study with Pesticide Operators

2019

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Agriculture is a hazardous occupational industry for farmers and farm workers; therefore, decisions to improve safety in the working place require understanding behavior of farmers and farm workers and factors affecting it. This study examined factors influencing perceived importance of personal safety and safe behavior of farmers in terms of personal protective equipment (PPE) use in pesticide spraying. Data were collected from a previous survey of farmers in rural areas of northern Greece. Over half of the farmers (55.4%) perceived low importance of personal safety in pesticide spraying. Perceived importance of personal safety increased in young farmers, with high education level, and large land area as well as with high perception of risk, knowledge of pesticide toxicity, seminar in pesticide use, access to internet, and perceived usefulness of PPE. Most farmers showed unsafe behavior in PPE use in terms of using long-sleeved shirt, long pants, chemical resistant gloves, socks, and shoes (58.9%). Farmers perceived low risk of pesticides (65.2%), despite the fact that two out of three farmers (66.1%) perceived high usefulness of PPE. Safe behavior in pesticide use increased in young farmers, with high education level, and small land area as well as with high perception of risk, knowledge of pesticide toxicity, seminar in pesticide use, access to internet, and perceived usefulness of PPE. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that knowledge of pesticide toxicity, education, age, and farm size were significant predictors of perceived importance of personal safety. In addition, self-confidence in spraying, following colleagues’ behaviors, risk perception, knowledge of pesticide toxicity, and farm size were significant predictors of safe behavior in terms of PPE use during pesticide spraying. Findings highlight differences in how farmers perceive personal safety and how they finally respond in daily action with respect to personal safety measures. Perception of risk, knowledge of pesticide toxicity, and farm size were common significant predictors for both variables. Lifelong education targeting promotion of knowledge about pesticide risks among farmers should be always a priority.

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“…This scenario clearly showed a need for education and training programs for farmers and government employees through community or other forms of IPM programs [6,30]. Pesticide education programs such as extension training, workshops, and community engagements have proven to be effective in elevating farmers' knowledge in adopting improved pest management practices in other countries [33,34]. The lower adoption of IPM practices in Nepal could be attributed by several factors such as limited availability of insect monitoring and control options, lack of sufficient knowledge and confidence in non-chemical pest control measures, inadequate government pesticide regulation enforcement, and a large gap in information sharing between extension workers and farmers [21,[28][29][30][31].…”

Section: Concept Of Integrated Pest Management (Ipm)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Farmers’ Knowledge on Pesticide Safety and Pest Management Practices: A Case Study of Vegetable Growers in Chitwan, Nepal

Rijal¹,

Regmi

Ghimire

et al. 2018

Agriculture

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Farmers' knowledge on pesticides and their safe use are critical for implementing effective pest management program. A household survey was conducted using the semi-structured questionnaire to evaluate vegetable growers' knowledge on pesticide safety and pest management practices in Nepal. Results indicated that chemical pesticides were the primary choice of over 80% growers for pest management. Notably, 90% growers were aware of adverse effects of pesticides on human health and to the environment. Over 84% growers used at least one form of personal protection equipment (PPE) during pesticide spray or handling, although the quality and appropriateness of the PPE warrants further investigation. Nearly 17% growers received at least one short-term training on integrated pest management (IPM); however, all of them neither knew the harmful effects of pesticide residues nor practiced proper pesticide disposal methods. Over 90% of growers rely on local pesticide retailers (i.e., Agro-vets) for technical know-how about pesticide selection, handling, and use. This study highlighted a need for immediate implementation of strict pesticide use regulations and recommended educational programs for pest control professionals, growers, and pesticide retailers.

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Farmers’ Training on Pesticide Use Is Associated with Elevated Safety Behavior

Cited by 112 publications

References 25 publications

RETRACTED: Farmers’ Technical Knowledge about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Olive Production

RETRACTED: Farmers’ Technical Knowledge about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Olive Production

Drivers of Personal Safety in Agriculture: A Case Study with Pesticide Operators

Farmers’ Knowledge on Pesticide Safety and Pest Management Practices: A Case Study of Vegetable Growers in Chitwan, Nepal

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